Study abroad
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
Higher education in New Zealand, in the South Pacific, gives international students a chance to study in a new academic and cultural setting. Universities and other institutions offer programmes at different levels, from first degrees to postgraduate study, across subjects such as business, engineering, health, science and the humanities.
The economy has strengths in agriculture, conservation and tourism, which is reflected in many study options. English is used in much of higher education, although it is worth checking the language of each course. Start with the subjects available here, then compare institutions, costs and application steps.
Students choose New Zealand for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in the South Pacific. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
Tertiary education in New Zealand includes universities alongside polytechnics, institutes of technology and private training establishments.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Students heading to New Zealand often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
Courses connected to agriculture, conservation and tourism can be a good fit for students who want their studies to relate closely to the local economy. Each subject has its own page for New Zealand on this site, with its specializations.
Before settling on a subject, compare a few programmes side by side: their modules, how they are taught and assessed, and the options they open up after graduation.
University of Otago · Undergraduate
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
University of Auckland · Undergraduate
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
University of Auckland · Master's
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
University of Auckland · Master's
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
University of Otago · Master's
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
University of Otago · Master's
Sample data
Entry requirements
English requirements not listed yet
Finding funding for New Zealand takes time, so start looking as soon as you have a shortlist of courses.
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Lajpat Nagar, Delhi · +3 more offices
Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant
Study destinations: 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇮🇪 Ireland
Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure
5 partnered universities (sample data) · Master's, MBA
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to New Zealand, Canada, Germany and Ireland.
View Consultant Website Demo Global Education (opens in a new tab)
Janakpuri, Delhi · +4 more offices
Sample listingLanguage & Education Consultant
Study destinations: 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇸🇪 Sweden · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇮🇹 Italy · +1 more
Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure
7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, PhD / Doctorate
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Canada, New Zealand, Sweden, Ireland, Italy and USA.
View Consultant Website Demo Global Student Services (opens in a new tab)
Patel Nagar, Delhi · +1 more office
Sample listingInternational Education Agency
Study destinations: 🇺🇸 USA · 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada
Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure
10 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to USA, New Zealand and Canada.
View Consultant Website Demo Horizon Study Partners (opens in a new tab)
Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar · +1 more office
Sample listingLanguage & Education Consultant
Study destinations: 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇦🇺 Australia · 🇩🇪 Germany · 🇬🇧 UK
Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support
9 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, MBA
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to New Zealand, Australia, Germany and UK.
View Consultant Website Demo Next Semester Abroad (opens in a new tab)
Tambaram, Chennai · +1 more office
Sample listingEducation Consultant
Study destinations: 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada
Services: University Admissions · Visa · Test Preparation · Pre-Departure
7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Foundation
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to New Zealand and Canada.
View Consultant Website Demo True North Advisors (opens in a new tab)
Maninagar, Ahmedabad
Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant
Study destinations: 🇳🇿 New Zealand · 🇨🇦 Canada
Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure
11 partnered universities (sample data) · Master's, Diploma, Foundation
Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to New Zealand and Canada.
View Consultant Website Sample Atlas Student Advisors (opens in a new tab)
Listings are not rankings or endorsements. Check services and fees directly with each consultant.
In New Zealand, the main intake for many programmes is usually around February. Some institutions also admit students around July, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Application deadlines can fall many months before the course begins, especially for competitive programmes and for students who need a visa. Start by checking the deadline for your specific course, then work backwards to leave time for documents, language tests, applications for funding and the visa process.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
There is no single price for studying in New Zealand. Fees are set by institutions and differ by course, level and type of institution.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
Programme length also matters: a longer course or a preparatory year changes the total cost. Always use the current fees published by the institution for the year you plan to start.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Studying in New Zealand usually involves an immigration step as well as an admission step, and the two often depend on each other.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: Immigration New Zealand (official government website).
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Living costs in New Zealand depend a great deal on where you live and how you live. Costs in Wellington can differ noticeably from those in Auckland, Christchurch or Dunedin and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
On islands and in remote areas, imported goods can raise everyday prices. Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
It depends on your goals. New Zealand offers programmes across many subjects, a location in the South Pacific and study in English and Māori. Students interested in agriculture, conservation and tourism may find the local context especially relevant.
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies and Creative Arts, Design & Communication. The subjects page for New Zealand lists every subject available here with its specializations.
Many programmes start around February. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as Immigration New Zealand.
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
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